'Pippin' opens for five-show run in Elsinore

The quest for glory and fulfillment will begin for Triple Threat
Academy this weekend. The company's production of "Pippin" opens
for a five-show run today at Elsinore High School's Stephen Price
Theatre.

" 'Pippin' is about the son of King Charlemagne the Great," said
Paul Kehler, the production's director. "The show itself is very
artsy and abstract. Originally directed and choreographed by the
brilliant Bob Fosse, 'Pippin' is a fast-paced musical theater
masterpiece. The show won five Tony Awards and continues to dazzle
audiences today with its rare blend of imagination, dance, music
and inspiring message.

"We follow Pippin as he attempts to find perfect and glorious
fulfillment so that his life will have 'meaning.' He tries to find
it in war, attempting to become a hero. He tries to find it in
parties, friends and shallow relationships. He tries to find it by
overthrowing his father to become king himself. None of these
things 'fill the hole'; however, none of them make him truly happy.
Pippin finds true happiness not in the glory we all believe it to
be at one time or another. He finds it in a widow and her young
son. Together, as a family, they all find their lives' true meaning
in each other."

While there were many different theatrical productions to choose
from, Kehler decided to go with one that would offer both him, as
well as his actors, a chance to let their imaginations run wild,
offering everyone a chance to put their own creative spin on
things.

" 'Pippin' is a fast-paced, extremely entertaining production,
and there is very little structure," said Kehler. "As an artist and
director, I knew I could take this piece in a multitude of
directions."

Holding an open-audition for the show, Kehler began the process
of choosing who would fit characters appropriately, and getting
"Pippin" off the ground.

"Each member of the cast went through the entire (audition)
process, which included a three-hour callback," said Kehler. "It
was after the callback that I decided who I believed fit best into
each role, and what would make the show the strongest. The
wonderful thing about Pippin is that it truly is an ensemble show.
The entire cast is featured throughout the show. Of course, there
are larger roles such as Pippin himself and The Leading Player, but
the focus is almost always on the show as a whole. Our cast is so
talented, you really don't lack for anything no matter who is
onstage."

Pippin is played by Garrett Torres, the Leading Player is
Michael Williams, Charlemagne is Nicholas Kalantar, Fastrada is
Paige Patterson, Lewis is Nate Beals, Catherine is Britney Galido
and Theo is portrayed by Troy Hussman.

While it may seem like it would take months to get together a
production such as "Pippin," Kehler describes the process as
equaling less than a month.

"The entire rehearsal process added up equals (about) two and a
half weeks of rehearsal, at an average of about three hours per
day," he said. "Not very much time when you see all that was
accomplished."

A quick turnaround meant the cast and Kehler had to be focused
and determined.

"I want the performers to push themselves," describes Kehler. "I
want them to feel like they have truly accomplished something
wonderful after each performance. Triple Threat Academy is focused
on applying the individual skills in all performing arts
disciplines into a truly multifaceted performance, which is exactly
what 'Pippin' is. I truly believe that if I can inspire people to
risk everything as a performer, that is all that is needed for them
to achieve greatness. Not what I do, but what they do when they
risk it all. I want all of them to let it go and perform with
everything they have in them."

While "Pippin" shows at Elsinore High School's Stephen Price
Theater, Kehler is hard at work producing another show -- "Joseph
and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat" opening Aug. 7.

In the meanwhile, Kehler said he hopes attendees of "Pippin" get
something valuable out of the performances.

"What things in life are truly glorious? What really 'fills' the
gap in our individual lives?" said Kehler. "Is it glory and praise
from hundreds, or even thousands? Or is it the genuine and
unfaltering love of a few? I don't expect the show to answer these
questions, but I do expect it to help the audience members to ask
them."